Dandenong Little India grocer wins fight for compo

By Cameron Lucadou-Wells

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A GROCER has landed a blow for fellow Little India tenants after winning a Supreme Court fight for compensation against state government authority Places Victoria.

Samir Obeid, who leased a grocery in Mason Street, Dandenong, had his business “effectively destroyed” when Places Victoria compulsorily acquired the property in 2008, a spokesman for Obeid’s solicitors Rennick & Gaynor said.

Places Victoria had argued that as a tenant, Mr Obeid had no claim for compensation. Last Monday in the Supreme Court, Justice Anthony Cavanough found Mr Obeid was entitled to be compensated for his loss.

The spokesman said VicUrban used its power to purchase properties privately to “limit its liability for compensation, particularly to tenants”.

“Over the years since [2008] VicUrban has overseen substantial demolition and redevelopment of the precinct. The value of Mr Obeid’s business was effectively destroyed by VicUrban for the purpose of the scheme.”

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